The Lord Lieutenant of County down

A group must be made up of two or more people and must provide a specific benefit in a local area. The group may be a branch of or affiliated to a larger regional or national organisation, as long as the volunteers started and developed the initiative for the activity locally, and the group's achievements go beyond what is expected of similar groups in the wider organisation's network.Those who benefit from the group's activities can be overseas residents or UK residents (or both) but the group must be based in a UK region or country.Groups may bring a direct or indirect benefit. Indirect benefit includes, for example, work to preserve the heritage or environment.Groups must have been operating at a high standard for at least three years.More than half the people who work in the group must be volunteers.More than half the group's volunteers must have the right of residence in the UK.The group satisfies requirements to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, if appropriate. These requirements may include Criminal Records Bureau checks.The group has public liability insurance or any other relevant insurance required for its work.Groups involved in fundraising activities are eligible for the Award if their fundraising activity: Involves volunteers.Focuses on creating or holding an event or local activity, rather than simply asking for donations.Is to provide something that can be shown to benefit the local community.

There were 3 winners in 2017 & these were only announced at the beginning of June 2018. The award ceremonies are happening throughout the summer, with the 1st in Greyabbey for the County Down Traction Engine club on 16th July. This is followed by the Cancer Fund for Children @ Daisy Lodge on 6th September & finally the Ulster Aviation Society @ the Lagan Valley Centre in Lisburn on 29th September. Photos etc to follow!!